BALTIMORE – Cole Hamels finally got on the mound in an Atlanta uniform, allowing three runs to the Baltimore Orioles before reaching his predetermined pitch count in the fourth inning, and the Braves struggled offensively in a 5-1 loss Wednesday night.Rookie Keegan Akin struck out nine over five scoreless innings to earn his first big league victory and help the Orioles win the deciding matchup of a three-game set against the NL East leaders.The Braves got only six hits — all of them singles — and their lone run scored on a balk.
Atlanta hasn't won a series in Baltimore since 2004.The 36-year-old Hamels signed a one-year contract with Atlanta in December and was expected to be a major contributor in the rotation.